Quote from Forum Archives on December 28, 2013, 3:33 pm

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER 

 ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
 

 Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman    

http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com  

A categorized storehouse of information for you from past newsletters,

plus a second blog just for recipes! 

 http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com/  

   ~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

Jan. 2014 Bonus Space, Carried, Immunity Pops, Staying Well, Cookies, Teens

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

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IN THIS ISSUE:

DISCOVERING BONUS SPACE RIGHT IN YOUR HOME

CARRIED IN HIS ARMS

IMMUNITY POPS

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

MY MEASURES OF PREVENTION FOR GOOD HEALTH

GRAIN FREE GINGER COOKIES

BABY SLEEP GUIDE

PARENTING INSIGHT YOU CAN USE NOW

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN YOUR TEEN TALKS BACK

FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

A GRANDMA WHO MAKES CRAFTS WITH HER GRANDDAUGHTERS

PRECIOUS GEMS

QUOTE

 

 

DISCOVERING BONUS SPACE RIGHT IN YOUR HOME
by Lois Breneman - Copyright 2004 - Revised 2014 - Heart to Heart
http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Storage

 

All of us have probably thought how we need more storage space in our homes.  First of all, getting rid of all those things we really don't need will cut way down on the needed storage space.  I'm working on that, but it's easier said than done.  Then how about investigating every available space in your home and putting it to good use if you are still in need of more storage space?  Look around your home for items that serve as a decoration, but allow for hidden storage as well.  In many cases extra storage is available and just waiting to be found!  Here are some clues as to where you can discover extra bonus space right in your own home!  Think vertical! 

Hang a clear vinyl pocket organizer (shoe bag) inside the linen closet to hold Band-aids, bandages, tape, small tubes of medications, a thermometer, ball syringes, etc. Everything will be easy to see and locate quickly when needed.  If you can't find clear organizers, Walmart has beige mesh shoe bags which work well.

A mesh shoe bag with horizontal slots on the front and back, recently found at Walmart, is perfect to store fabric stabilizers for those of us who do machine embroidery.  Now I can use its original space for other sewing supplies!

A clear vinyl pocket organizer is effective when hung inside a broom closet to store Goo Gone, window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, rubbing alcohol, and other cleaning supplies.  Be sure to tuck in plenty of microfiber cloths or terry cloth squares, which I prefer.  An old bath towel (with no holes) can be cut into eighths to make the same number of wonderful cleaning cloths.  After rounding the corners, simply sew around each one using the zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine to prevent unraveling and lint.  These work great for numerous cleaning jobs and are virtually free!

Hang another clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the coat closet for sunglasses, gloves, scarves, fold up umbrellas, a lint brush, and other things you might need to grab before you go out the door.

Hang more clear vinyl pocket organizers inside your children's closet doors, unless the doors are louvered. I'm sure you will agree that small things stored in these pockets are so much better than scattered all around their rooms! And everything will be visible through the clear vinyl!

Store often-used information, taped inside kitchen cabinet doors.  A chart of family illnesses, giving each name, date, illness, and remedy, is a valuable chart to have at your fingertips.  Food substitutions are another handy piece of information, and I know we can all think of more information we'd like to keep handy.

If you are in the process of building or remodeling your home, you may want to consider adding one built-in locker for each family member - near the door, all in a row. I have seen this plan carried out in the home of a friend and the mother raved how they all loved the convenience of keeping each person's coat, boots, gloves, school books, backpack, etc. right by the door. The mother also loved how each person was responsible for his or her own personal locker!  A great idea!

If you have a deep closet or pantry where things seem to get lost, store items on trays that can be pulled out, so you have full access to everything and are able to find what you need.

Small round wooden tables, purchased for as little as $5 (on sale), can provide lovely hidden storage! With a round tablecloth draped down to the floor, no one will ever know what you have hidden there and it provides a nice decorative touch to a bedroom, living room, family room, great room, dining room or sun room. A round piece of glass can be purchased to set on top of the tablecloth for protection from spills. A large round lace doily or a smaller square piece of contrasting fabric placed over the tablecloth can change the whole appearance.

Use empty decorative ceramic containers for storage, as well as decoration. Examples: Pretty ginger jars, canisters, covered ceramic dishes, vases or teapots.  Large painted milk cans can hold umbrellas.

In the bathroom install shelves to set on top of or above the tank of the commode for additional space. Every bathroom can use more storage and this is an excellent vertical space to use.

Use a hanging shelf that slips over the shower head to hold shampoo, conditioner, and razors.  Racks are also available to hang on the side of a shower, when using an adhesive hook on the tile.

A shallow overhead shelf or two situated up high at the end of the bathtub is another possibility.

Slide under-the-bed boxes -- where else but under the beds!  I'm sure you can think of something to store in those (gifts, out-of-season shoes or clothing, etc.).  If a bed doesn't allow enough height for a box to fit under the mattress, the feet of the bed could be raised up a little on four blocks of wood (about 4" wide with a hollowed out area to hold the feet of the bed).  My husband rounded the corners as well, in order to prevent sore toes that might kick into the wood by accident.

Have you thought of storing things under sofas and chairs with skirts? Yes, even there!  Sofas with skirts are perfect for this, but not so easily found these days.

A shallow cabinet (about one or two inches deep) would be sufficient to hold necklaces and bracelets with cup hooks or even push pins to hold them. Hang it behind a bedroom door where it would be protected by a rubber door stop. A beautiful painting could even be attached to the front. Or use the space in the back of your bedroom closet to hang necklaces and bracelets.

Many closets have wooden strips around the wall for the shelves. Insert push pins into the wood to hang necklaces and bracelets. This works great and keeps them out of sight.

Hang bookshelves along the wall above a desk or computer to make good use of that unused space.

In many homes it would work to enclose the area under the stairs for storage, with a door. It's amazing how much can be stored there.

Inside a closet door, attach lightweight plastic-covered wire shelves designed to slip over the back of a door or fasten onto the inside of the door. This will hold so much and keep all the contents right at your fingertips.

If a closet has too much empty space between the shelves, add another shelf or two for more organized storage and better use of the space.

Look carefully at each closet and find a way to use all the available space. By using baskets, square plastic tubs or plastic shoe boxes (with lids) on closet shelves, they can be stacked to maximize the available space. Be sure to label all containers to make it easy to locate various items.

Under-the-shelf storage can be purchased in plastic-coated wire to be slipped on a shelf to make use of that unused space under the shelf.

Building shelves directly above your washer and dryer is a great idea, because that is normally wasted space. Use either open shelves or enclosed cabinets for laundry supplies and many other items.

Stacking makes use of extra space. At least three six drawer organizers (without the wheels attached, of course) can be stacked to provide organized storage for papers, CD's, DVD's, office supplies, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamping supplies, sewing supplies, crafts, etc.

Add an extra make-shift shelf to the floor of a closet, simply by raising the shelf up with two bricks on each end. This will provide extra storage space for shoes. Use a board that you stained or painted to match the room.  You could even cover it with fabric or matching contact paper.

In a child's room, stuffed animals could be stored and displayed in mesh, hanging from the ceiling in a corner of the room. You can find fish netting in stores for this purpose.

Shelves built around one or more walls about 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling of a child or teen's room provide not only storage, but decoration as well. The personality and interests of your child can be displayed for your enjoyment and theirs.  This is a good place for trophies as well.

Continue looking for unused space in your home. Hopefully these ideas of finding extra bonus storage space in the home will help us all to be more organized.

 

CARRIED IN HIS ARMS
by Rachel Keller (mother of 5 children) the oldest of whom celebrates Christmas and his 20th birthday in Afghanistan where he is currently helping to defend our freedom. To read more by Rachel, you can follow her new blog Rachel's Writings (http://www.rachelkeller.com)

Over my bed hangs a plaque with my name Rachel, its meaning (lamb, gentle, innocence) and the verse Isaiah 40:11.

He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the LAMBS with His arm
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.

This verse took on special significance for me when I was pregnant with my oldest son John.  My husband and I found ourselves in a place of uncertainty, not knowing where God was leading us or how He would provide financially.  (We were rich in Christ, but very poor in material wealth.)  In anxious fear I knelt at my bed and cried out to my Abba Father.  Glancing up, I noticed my name plaque and the verse.  And in that moment I felt God's arms around me, reassuring me that He was carrying me--His lamb--in His bosom and that He would gently lead both me and the young child in my womb.

 

Now 20 years later, my Good Shepherd has reminded me once again that He holds me–His lamb–and my offspring in His arms. The week before traveling to Camp Shelby in Mississippi to say goodbye to my firstborn (who would be leaving for Afghanistan within a week) was full of mixed emotions. I was excited and eager to see my son again after being separated for almost two months, but our brief time together also meant his imminent departure to a dangerous place far from loved ones and my protective arms.

 

Not by coincidence, the name Jehovah Roi, or God is my Shepherd, was the name of God for the week in Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of God online devotional. At the same time, God was comforting me through a book that a dear friend gave me (Psalm 91 for Mothers by Peggy Joyce Ruth and Angelia Ruth Amy Schum) from which the following is excerpted:

 

Do you know why God calls us His SHEEP? It’s because a sheep is the only animal that doesn’t have any protection on its own. It is not like a dog that can bark away his enemies or a skunk that can spray out a bad odor to keep from being bothered. Some animals have sharp teeth to protect themselves, but a sheep doesn’t have anything to protect himself–EXCEPT THE SHEPHERD. We are God’s sheep, and Jesus is our good Shepherd. He wants us to know that He is our protector. Just as the shepherds on the hillside protect their sheep, Jesus wants to protect us.

 

I love my son dearly, but God who made him loves him far more than I ever will. He understands what it is like to send a son as an ambassador to a faraway, dangerous place (John 3:16; Romans 8:32). And He knew long before Jesus came, the indescribable death awaiting Him. Yet, He sent His Son who willingly left the beauty and perfection of heaven to live in a fallen, wicked world that cruelly rejected Him–not because we were worthy, but because of His great love for us even when we were unlovely (Philippians 2:5-8; Ephesians 2:1-7).

Yes, Jesus is my good Shepherd (Psalm 23; John 10). He covers me under His wings (Psalm 91). I can go nowhere (even to the remotest or most dangerous parts of the world) where He is not (Psalm 139). He is my keeper who watches over me day and night. He never sleeps, but is ever watchful. He is my shade on my right hand, and whether I come or go, He can protect me from all harm or evil (Psalm 121). Nothing or no one can snatch me from His loving embrace (Romans 8:31, 35-39). How comforting to be able to rest in those everlasting arms! (Deuteronomy 33:26-27). I can trust my future (and my children) to the Good Shepherd who carries me in His bosom and gently leads me to places of rest and peace in His wonderful presence (Isaiah 40:11).

 

 

IMMUNITY POPS
Rama Pfeiffer, Founder of Freshly Grown

Used by permission

http://freshly-grown.com/immunity-pops/

It’s December right now, but I’ve officially decided popsicles are great all year round. Who doesn’t love popsicles, right? These particular popsicles are great for boosting immunity or for when you or your kiddos are already under the weather. They are packed full of hydrating and immunity boosting ingredients, plus they taste awesome. Win!

Immunity Pops

Ingredients

10 oz. coconut water

2 large oranges, juiced (should make about 5 oz.)

1 1/2 c. tart cherries (mine were frozen)

1/4th c. raw cranberries (optional, I happened to get these in my weekly box)

2 Tbs. crystalized ginger, chopped or 1 tsp. raw ginger, minced

2 Tbs. Elderberry syrup

2 Tbs. probiotics, powder form

1-1 1/2 Tbs. manuka honey or raw honey

 

Juice your oranges, they should make about 5 oz., then combine your orange juice with the 10 oz. of coconut water so the total liquid equals 15 oz. Add your liquid to a pitcher so it’s easy to pour. In a blender or food processor add the rest of the ingredients, pour some juice in so it has something to mix with and pulse or blend. Once ingredients are fully blended, you can add everything back into the pitcher. Pour your yummy immunity mixture into your Tovolo popsicle molds leaving a bit of room at the top. Freeze and enjoy. If you have any liquid left, it tastes like a nutrient-packed punch, so don’t hesitate to drink up! Cheers to immunity!

Coconut water = Hydration + Electrolytes
Raw Orange Juice = Vit. C
Tart Cherries + Cranberries = Antioxidants
Ginger = Antiviral, antibacterial, soothes stomach, combats inflammation
Elderberry Syrup = Antiviral, antibacterial, fights colds and flu
Probiotics = Beneficial gut bacteria that boosts our immune system and fights infection

Manuka Honey = Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal (in different medicinal class than raw honey if you want to really kick an illness and boost immunity, BUT raw honey will work if you don't have manuka on hand.  I highly recommend investing in manuka honey for your holistic medicine cabinet.  Treats a multitude of alilments.  Read more here

For the popsicle molds, I use these. They’re great. To see molds, please go to http://freshly-grown.com/immunity-pops/

 

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberry Syrup is a natural remedy used to help colds and flu, reduce swelling in mucous membranes, such as the sinuses, and help relieve nasal congestion. Elder may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.

Source: Elderberry | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/elderberry#ixzz2nsTNrgs6

Elderberry Syrup can be found at health food stores.

MY MEASURES OF PREVENTION FOR GOOD HEALTH
by Lois Breneman

Rather than getting a flu shot, I do the following to build up the immune system and keep from getting colds or the flu:

 

1. Barley Juice - Drinking a glass of one tablespoon powdered barley juice in pure water first thing each morning.  I used to get two terrible sinus infections every year on a regular basis before starting to drink barley juice twenty-three years ago.  It made a huge difference! 
You can find it here:
www.theaimcompanies.com
http://www.hacres.com

 
2. Little or No Sugar - Sugar is known to break down the immune system, and comes in many different forms - white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, glucose, and the list goes on.

3. Probiotics - Taking a good probiotic each day helps the immune system.  probiotics.mercola.com/probiotics.html‎

4. Green Pasture Blue Ice Royal Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Blend - Cinnamon flavor is my favorite.  I only take about half of a teaspoon each day.  http://www.greenpasture.org/public/Products/CodLiverOil/

5. Vitamin D-3

This does not mean I am guaranteed not to ever get a cold, sinus infection, or the flu, but it seldom happens.  After starting barley juice, I went from getting two severe sinus infections a year (lasting six week each), to going more than seven years without even a cold.  That was proof enough for me.

 

 

GRAIN FREE GINGER COOKIES

Recipe by Detoxinista at detoxinsta.com/2012/10/grain-free-ginger-cookies/

Prep time: 40 min.   Cook time: 10 min.   Total time: 50 min.

My daughter-in-law, Rachael Breneman made these and wow!  They were delicious - and healthy!

These cookies are made with protein-rich almond flour and blackstrap molasses.  They are loaded with iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and potassium.  They are sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, rather than sugar, and they are free of eggs and dairy for those who have food sensitivities to those foods.  These are soft and chewy cookies, but if you like them more crispy, press them into flatter shapes with the bottom of a glass before baking, and increase the baking time.

 
1 1/2 cups almond flour
2 Tbsp. coconut oil, softened

1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses

2 tsp. ground ginger

1/8 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1.  Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, and mix until a thick batter is formed.  Chill batter for 30 minutes in the fridge.  This will make the batter nice and firm before scooping.

2.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and drop the batter by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  A small scoops works real well and is a time saver.  Use the bottom of a glass to press down slightly on the top of each cookie (the thinner the more crisp, but if you want a soft and chewy cookie,

a thickness of 1/4" would be about right.
3.  Bake doe 8-10 minutes until firm around the edges, but still soft in the center.
4.  Allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.  Yum!!!

 

Baby Sleep Guide

www.troublesometots.com

Looking to improve baby sleep?
http://www.troublesometots.com/baby-sleep-guides/

PARENTING INSIGHT YOU CAN USE NOW
by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN - Used by permission

One of the ways you can tell that a child is "getting it" is when you actually see change in behavior. Jesus referred to a person's behavior as coming from the heart when he said in Luke 6:45, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."

Actions are a measuring stick of what's happening in the heart. That's why parents get excited when their children do things that demonstrate thoughtfulness, generosity, or cooperation. It's an indication that a heart change may be taking place.

The heart contains the operating principles of a person. You can tell what kinds of things are in the heart by the tendencies a child has. How does your child tend to act when interrupted, when she gets a "no" answer, or he's being corrected? You can learn a lot about a person's heart by watching how the child responds under pressure. These typical patterns come from the heart, and, if change is going to take place, heart-based strategies will be needed.

Take anger for example. A child who has a pattern of continually reacting to life with outbursts of anger, needs a multifaceted approach to change. Helping the child change what he believes about life, being firm and correcting regularly, and talking about anger and alternative solutions all contribute to a deeper work in a child's heart. Heart-based strategies equip children for life, involving teaching and training so new tendencies develop. A change in a pattern of angry responses takes time and a lot of work from parents as God puts it all together on a deeper level.

For more ideas about developing a heart-based approach to parenting, see the many resources at biblicalparenting.org

 

 

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN YOUR TEEN TALKS BACK
by Amy Morin

AmyMorinLCSW.com

ParentingTeens.About.com

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/behavioranddiscipline/fl/How-to-Respond-When-Your-Teen-Talks-Back.htmUsed by permission

A few lines from this article:

Teens are verbally impulsive by nature. However, this doesn’t mean they should get a free pass to talk back and behave disrespectfully. Instead, it’s a critical time period where they can begin learning how to deal with frustration and disappointment without talking back......... The way you respond to this type of back talk influences whether or it not it will continue.

Please go to the link above to read the remainder of Amy's article.

Check out About.com's many articles on parenting teens:

 

8 Ways to Discipline Teens

How to Validate Your Teen's Feelings

How to Create a Behavior Contract with Teens

 

You can go to ParentingTeens.About.com to sign up for Amy Morin's newsletter.

 

 

FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
For Do-It-Yourself Repair and Maintenance --- "One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop." --G.M. Weilacher

A GRANDMA WHO MAKES CRAFTS WITH HER GRANDDAUGHTERS

Ruth Ann Assaid in Virginia gave permission to share this story with all of you ladies.  Thanks so much for sharing this, Ruth Ann!

          I babysit my granddaughters one day a week when their mommy, Erin, works.  I like to do a little craft with them.  Yesterday I went over all prepared to make the fall leaves you had on your newsletter/blog.  http://www.heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Crafts%20-%20Autumn  I was excited to be doing this craft with them.  I walked in their kitchenette where they were finishing breakfast, and there on the window were the fall leaves!  I couldn't believe it.  Their Daddy was there and he didn't know anything about it, so when Erin got home I told her that was the exact craft I was going to do with them (and we did it anyway).  She said to herself, "Now where did I get that pattern?"  I said, "I got it from Lois Breneman," and she said, "Yes that's exactly where I got mine!"  I couldn't believe it.

          Last week I made the little sock snowmen with them.  They loved them.

 http://www.heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Crafts%20-%20Winter

         
Note from Lois:  This week I made these sock snowmen with my five year old grandson, Daniel.  A fun and cute project!

 

 

PRECIOUS GEMS
Thanks to all who shared their kids' quotes with me and gave permission to include them here and on the blog!

When our 6 year old granddaughter's family visited us recently, Ryan Elizabeth's very long naturally curly hair was completely straight and several inches shorter.  Although I certainly loved her curls, I told her it looked nice and asked what happened to her curls.  Ryan replied, "Oh, I got a short cut and the lady put jam on my hair."  She meant "gel!" ~ Lois

Waiting to get Malakai's hair cut. Little boy asks him if we are his parents. Malakai (5) says: "Yes, I'm chocolate. They vanilla. We're the same."   Little boy laughs ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

I love the innocence of children. When passing a cemetery, Brooklyn said, "Momma! Yook! Pretty flowers...dey pop up out of floor! I yike dat place. It's boootiful...yike magic."~ Lauren in Virginia

 

We took baby Joshua to the doctor this morning for his 5-day weight check. While sitting in the waiting room, Benjamin states the facts.
"Baby Joshua is sleeping, Mama. No more waa waa waa. He's fine, Mama. He's fine."
Lol I love them so much. And I love car seats...and sleep ~ Heather in Virginia

 

I babysit for a very smart 3-year-old. This week we were at our church sewing circle and he came up to me and said, "God wants us to share." I nodded, smiled, and thought to myself that he was really getting it ... until he continued, "She isn't sharing that car." ~ Catherine in Indiana

Malakai (5): "Know what, if you play in the sun and you put your fingers and toes in it, they will burn up like hot lava...if you eat the moon your teeth will get really cold..." ~ Danielle in Alabama 

Me (after shamelessly sniffing my 3-year-old's feet...NO JUDGING!): "Your toes don't stink!"
Julianne: "Don't worry. They will tomorrow."
She is her father's daughter. ~ Jennifer in Virginia

Things said at my house this morning:
"Merry Christmas, Mom! Your legs are so jiggly!"
and (child looking out at snow...) "I feel so sorry for cats and dogs. They are colorblind, you know. What if they think snow is purple?" ~ Beth in Ohio

 

Brooklyn: "Look Sis, it's Santa!"
Savannah (6): "I don't think that's Santa. He is holding a fishing pole."
Brooklyn: "Him is Santa! Him have beard!"
Savannah: "A beard doesn't make him Santa. He is probably off of Duck Dynasty." ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

Savannah (6): "Me and Karis are friends. She's different from me cause she's shy and quiet and I'm not. I'm a chatterbox. So that kind of makes us perfect friends. She lets me do all the talking." ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

Eva (7) was cold and told me chickenpox had popped out all over her skin. ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Eva (7) was singing “Away in a Manger” (by the way, that is just a weird title if you think about it. We don’t put our babies “away” do we?) Anyhow, she was singing the first verse at our Christmas play, and then the entire children’s choir would sing the other verses. When she started the second verse, when she practiced here at home,  she would sing these words, “The cattle are glowing, the baby is growing…” which might be accurate, if a host of angels were to appear again. ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

After listening to "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth," Melody (4) turns to me and says (in total seriousness), "Mama, when I get bigger and my two front teeth fall out at Christmas time, that is not all I'M going to want for Christmas." ~ Rosie in Central Asia

 

Amiya (5): "Mommy, why'd you say we are Jesus' leapers?"
Me: "I don't think I said that."
Amiya persistent I did.
Me: "I said we are His sheep and He is our Shepherd."
Amiya: "Oh yeah, that was it." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Samara (4) living in Montana was SO excited to have her grandparents from Pennsylvania visiting for several weeks!  She said to her Mamaw, "I am so glad you are here!  You are going to stay for one hundred million days!" ~ Nancy in Pennsylvania

Today I tucked Samara (4) in her bed for an afternoon nap before a busy evening at church.  She laid down but immediately sat up and hugged me, saying, "I love you, Mamaw."  How wonderful for a grandmother to hear those words!  Then she asked me if I would sleep in her room...I could sleep in Sissy's bed.  I told her that there was no room for me because Sissy has so many stuffed animals on her bed.  Samara said, "It doesn't matter. Just throw everything off!" ~ Nancy in Pennsylvania

 

Today I was wrapping Christmas presents.  Later this evening we were sitting on the sofa next to the Christmas tree when my granddaughter, Samara (4), began looking at the presents under the tree.  She said, "Who is that one for?"  I said "Well, I guess we will have to wait till Christmas morning and find out."  To which she responded, "Well, what about that little one?"  I said again, "We will find out Christmas morning."  She said to me, "You are the one who wrapped the presents and you don't know who they are for?"  She seemed frustrated that I couldn't tell her who the recipients are! ~ Nancy in Pennsylvania 

God has blessed me with a child who has a very understanding and tender heart.  She has never been shy about knowing about death and what it means for a non-believer or a believer.   She is very concerned for those who are not saved and joyful for those who are.  Now, I understand that she has a child’s faith and understanding, which at times I want to have more of a childlike faith.

Tonight she was so tender to a dear friend of ours who is in really bad health.  Autumn Rose (4) crawled up beside her and got real close to her face and softly said to her “Ganny, you don’t have to hold on any more.  Just let go and go to Jesus.  He is waiting for you and when you get to him he will make you totally well.  Just go to him.  Its okay if you do.”  She patted her face and hopped down.

I’m blessed to be this child’s Mama and it is only by the Grace of God that she has such a tender heart towards others. ~ Mary in Virginia

 

QUOTE
   Selfishness spoils love.
       Discontent spoils joy.
          Anxious thought spoils peace.
             Impatience spoils patience.
                Bitter words spoil kindness.
                   Indolence spoils goodness.
                      Doubt spoils faith.
                        Pride spoils gentleness.
                            Love of pleasure spoils self-control.
                                --Elizabeth George

 

 

Ladies, I would love to hear from you anytime!
Tell me what you liked, didn't like, or what you'd like to see included.
Simply reply to any newsletter and share your thoughts with me.

I'm always looking for Precious Gems from kids (old or new would be great)!

I pray each of you found something in this edition to bless, encourage and teach you!
Please remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady and her family,
because so many ladies are going through very tough times and need our prayers!
Some have lost loved ones, others have lost jobs, homes, or their good health.
Pray each day for the protection of our troops, and for their families left at home,
as well as adjustment and employment after they return home.
God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!
Your "Heart to Heart" friend
Lois

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